Galway City

The city also bears the nickname “The City of the Tribes” (Irish: Cathair na dTreabh) because “fourteen tribes” of merchant families led the city in its Hiberno-Norman period. The term tribes was often a derogatory one in Cromwellian times. The merchants would have seen themselves as Irish gentry and loyal to the King. They later adopted the term as a badge of honour and pride in defiance of the town’s Cromwellian occupier
In 2007, Galway was named as one of the eight “sexiest cities” in the world. A 2008 poll ranked Galway as the 42nd best tourist destination in the world, or 14th in Europe and 2nd in Ireland (behind Dingle). It was ranked ahead of all European capitals except Edinburgh, and many traditional tourist destinations (such as Venice).

Music
Galway has a vibrant and varied musical scene. As in most Irish cities traditional music is popular and is kept alive in pubs and by street performers. Notable bands from Galway include The Saw Doctors and The Stunning. Galway Early Music Festival presents European music from the 12th to the 18th century. It encourages not only music, but also dance and costumes. The festival involves both professional and amateur musicians.
Galway city is a major centre for traditional Irish music. Traditional and contemporary music can be heard at numerous locations around the city. Among the more notable are The King’s Head on High Street, Tigh Neachtáin and The Quays on Quay Street, Róisín Dubh and Monroe’s Tavern on Lr Dominic Street.Irish language
Galway City has a reputation among Irish cities for being associated with the Irish language, music, song and dancing traditions. It is sometimes referred to as the ‘Bilingual Capital of Ireland’, although like elsewhere in the Republic of Ireland, inhabitants converse mostly in English. The city is well known for its “Irishness”, mainly because it has on its doorstep the Galway Gaeltacht. Irish theatre, television and radio production and Irish music form a component of Galway city life, with both An Taibhdhearc, the National Irish Language Theatre, in Galway city itself, while TG4 and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta headquarters are in the Connemara Gaeltacht elsewhere in County Galway.

Galway – The Wild Atlantic Way
The Wild Atlantic Way drive along the Galway coast takes no less than 2 days to finish yet 2 weeks would be perfect to appropriately absorb the area.

Top Attractions on the Galway Stage of the Wild Atlantic Way
The accompanying is a rundown of the main 40 Attractions and ‘Things to See and Do’ on the Wild Atlantic Way from south to north beginning at Kinvarra with bounty all the more not specified here:
Kinvarra – Dunguaire Castle and Medieval Banquet
Galway City, Eyre Square, Spanish Arch, Latin Quarter, Lynch Memorial and Quay Street
Galway Festivals – Galway Races, Arts Festival, Tedfest Aran Islands – Fr. Ted and others
Salthill Promenade and Beach
Spiddal Village and Beach
Rossaveel and Carraroe Beach
Lettermore Island
Ship or fly to the novel Aran Islands – strolling, cycling and the sky is the limit from there
Roundstone
Errisbeag Mountain (300m) Walk for grand perspectives over Roundstone
Ballyconneely Beaches and Links Golf Course
Sky Road Scenic Drive
Derroura Mountain Bike Trails
Killary Harbor
Steed riding on Connemaras Beaches
Connemara National Park
Glencoaghan Horseshoe Loop Walk, Galway
Kylemore Abbey
Muckanaght, Benfree and Benbaun Loop Walk, Galway
Derrigimalagh Bog and Nature Reserve
The Wild Atlantic Way is Irelandsdriving course along the whole west bank of Ireland from Donegal in the north to Cork in the south. In the event that you are searching for an occasion agenda from a couple of days to a few weeks, look no further as the Wild Atlantic Way course has everything. From bluff top perspectives to extraordinary climbs and from noteworthy urban areas to picture impeccable beachfront towns and a percentage of the best surfing on the planet, the Wild Atlantic Way drive is ideal for voyagers of all ages and tastes. Back off and experience the true Ireland.
– The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest marked beachfront traveler course on the planet at give or take 2,750 km (1,700 miles) long.
– You can join the Wild Atlantic Way at any number of focuses along its length, complete it in either bearing and delight in the numerous shorter side circles and many attractions, strolls, cycles, golf, angling, surfing, swimming and spots to stay and see along the Wild Atlantic Way.

Welcome to Bearna Golf Club! Located at the gateway to Connemara in the Gaeltacht, with commanding views of Galway Bay, the Burren and the Aran Islands, this West of Ireland golf course is only five miles from Galway city. Built on Connemara moorland it is a high scenic area with features and colours and plant and animal life that you won't find elsewhere. Wonderful characteristics of gorse bushes, ditches, humps and bumps, twists and turns, all surrounded by authentic Irish peat bog, make for a thrilling round of golf.

Tulsi Restaurant

Galway's famous Indian Restaurant prides itself on the excellence of its cuisine and prompt friendly service. Lamb, beef, poultry and seafood dishes are prepared to authentic Indian recipes and can also be made to suit individual preferences. Tandoori, balti and vegetarian food are speciality and Tulsi are recommended by the Bridgestone Vegetarian Guide to Ireland and also the only Indian restaurant recommended by Bridgestone Food Guide in Ireland 07/09 area. The restaurant is fully air-conditioned and has a full licence.

The Crane Bar

{stwpreview url="http://www.jv-extensions.com"}The Crane Bar is one of Galway's best known trad music pubs. It has long been a haunt of those who love to play and those who love to listen to them. Situated in the 'Small Crane' Square, with music nightly both upstairs and down. Upstairs at The Crane Bar is a much loved venue, seating 70 in an intimate and relaxed atmosphere. Downstairs is one of the few remaining authentic traditional bars.

Cava Bodega

Cava Bodega is the reincarnation of the popular Cava Restaurant which has been created by local restauranteurs JP Mc Mahon and Drigin Gaffey of Aniar Restaurant and Eat Gastropub.

The delicious menu includes such favourite as patatas bravas, scallops with black pudding, pork belly and calamares (squid).

A new feature in the menu structure is the addition of a Pinchos bar. Pinchos are small Basque-style canapés common in tapas bars all over Spain in particular San Sebastian. The general atmosphere is of a nice tapas feel upstairs, more informal, where you can have a drink and a Pincho. There is a blackboard with a list of Pinchos, from Tortilla (Spanish Omelet), to Pulpo (octopus), Morcilla (black pudding), and Iberian Ham.

Cava Bodega is situated on Middle Street, directly across from Charlie Byrne's bookshop. It will seat up to 60 customers between the two floors, and is open from 5pm to late, 7 days a week.

Artisan Restaurant

Candlelight, soft sounds and subdued lighting provide the perfect atmosphere in which to enjoy the extraordinary culinary delights of this popular foodie restaurant. Artisan Restaurant serves the very best of local, in-season produce and organic where possible. The menu offers exceptional French classic/Irish dishes with a twist. The winner of three Bridgestone awards in a row and ''Best Restaurant in Galway 2012'', Artisan Restaurant ensures exquisite fine dining with experienced friendly serivce every time. Open for Saturday lunches and dinner nightly from 6pm.

Galway Sessions

The Galway Sessions Festival of music takes place all over Galway city and includes some of the best in world renowned artists. Held annually, a good time and plenty of craic is assured for all. The main music sessions take place in Crane Bar, Róisín Dubh, Monroes Tavern, The Quays, Tigh Neachtáin, Tigh Cóilí, Taffees, Richardson's, M T Pockets and the Radisson SAS Hotel.

Monroe’s Tavern

A lively warm and cosy pub with open fires and a great atmosphere, Monroe's is lively spot for traditional music and ballads in Galway City. Monroe's remains the only pub in the city for regular Irish dancing (on Tuesday's). You can take pizzas through to the bar from Galway's best pizza joint, the attached Monroe's Pizza Cabin. Upstairs has a large and popular nightclub with live bands and smoking area

Busker Brownes

Busker Brownes and The Slate House have long been a landmark in Galway City. Since its establishment in 1615, it has been a meeting place of the Tribes of Galway, a Soldiers' Barracks, a Dominican convent and a Rendevous for Galway Society. It is now one of Galway's premiere bar and restaurants.

Fat Freddy’s Bistro

One of the city's longest established restaurants, Fat Freddy&rsquo;s has become synonymous with Quay Street in Galway City Centre, having regulars who are still with us after 25 years and tourists who come back every year for the excellent atmosphere, service and, of course, food. Also has a selection of high quality wines and international beers.

Skeffington Arms Hotel

The Skeffington Arms Hotel is an affordable, modern and vibrant hotel located in the heart of Galway City. Overlooking the newly refurbished Eyre Square it is within a short distance of rail and bus terminals and just a short stroll from an array of shopping centres, restaurants, bars and theatres. With just 24 bedrooms, the main emphasis is on personal service and attention to detail, so whether its business or pleasure our friendly and helpful staff will make your visit an enjoyable one & we hope to have the opportunity to welcome you to Galway and the Skeffington Arms Hotel in the near future.

Milano Restaurant

Milano Galway is situated just a stone's throw from bustling Shop Street. Considered to be the city's most stylish dining room, it is a spacious restaurant, often described by visitors as an oasis in the midst of the hustle and bustle of busy city life. Milano restaurants in Galway is the perfect place to enjoy a quick meal or to linger over a glass of wine and homemade pudding. Suitable for parties and business meetings, the restaurants also feature a Piccolo pizza menu for wee guests and a range of delicious pastas. Don't miss the famous baked dough balls; American Hot pizza with pepperoni and peppers; and the creamy tiramasu. The opening hours are 11:30- 23:30 seven days a week

Ard Bia

Ard Bia Nimmo's has gone from strength to strength since winning Food & Wine magazine's Best regional restaurant award a few years ago. The eclectic arty dining room overlooking the Corrib in historic Spanish Arch is renowned for its to-die-for delicious food that uses the best of local sourced and seasonal produce. The mezze plate, Rib-eye steak with roast shallot potato cake and Crozier Blue sauce and chickpea pancake with spinach and feta are our favourites. Ard Bia also a local gallery upstairs with some fabulous artwork to browse and chat about over coffee.

White Gables

Traditional Irish cooking in a restored Stone cottage at a crossroads in Moycullen village. White Gables Restaurant serves on traditional Irish dishes, with a focus on seafood, including fresh lobster from their fishtank. Warm, homely red tone, floral lampshades and dark mahogany furniture, portray a picture of Ireland in a different time. All fish is fresh off the boat, but meat is not off the menu either with traditional Irish favourites fillet steak and t-bone on offer.

Kai Café and Restaurant

The philosophy at Kai Café and Restaurant is very simple, fresh, organic produce is sourced from local suppliers to create daily menus bursting with flavor, texture and colour. If you're lucky you might even get an edible flower on your plate.All menus change on a daily basis dependent on what is fresh and in stock from local suppliers.

Head Chef, Jess Murphy takes an artisan approach to food by combining her classical culinary training with an affinity for distinctive and fresh seasonal produce. She directly sources raw ingredients of the highest standard, while overseeing the entire preparation and cooking process until the finished product leaves the kitchen.

Chef Jess Murphy, originally from New Zealand but has been in Ireland for many years. Murphy worked with Kevin Thornton in his Michelin restaurant, then Ard Bia and of course Bar 8 where she was awarded Best Chef in Connacht this year. Cooking is excellent and based strictly around whatever is in season and available locally.

Aniar Restaurant

Aniar has the enviable accolade of being Galway's only Michelin starred restaurant, having been awarded their prestigious star in September 2012. Aniar is an innovative restaurant, bringing terroir-based dining to Dominick Street in Galway City. The word terroir is usually associated with winemaking and the combination of factors that gives a wine its distinctive character: soil, climate and environment. Aniar, owned by the people who brought you Cava Restaurant (next door to Aniar) is focused on local earthy ingredients and natural influences.

An example starter might consist of 'salt beef, raddish, kohlrabi and hazelnut; main courses include 'wild brill, celeriac, celery, clams and lovage', and you could spoil your palette with 'seabuckthorn pannacotta, caramel, apple, crumble' for dessert.

Vina Mara

Viña Mara opened in 2002. The ethos of the restaurant is to serve excellent food, give friendly and professional service, welcome our guests to a warm cosy atmosphere and of course, to guarantee our guests excellent value for money.

Our local Head Chef Rachel Lynch, is a young and passionate chef who has been with us for a number of years. Rachel's aim is to create original flavour combinations using the finest local organic produce. She has recently created a vegetarian, vegan and coeliac friendly menu to appeal to our wide range of customers.

Our friendly and experienced staff are here to give you a warm welcome and ensure you enjoy a unique dining experience with us at Vina Mara.

Brasserie on The Corner

Specialising in locally-sourced, top quality seafood and steak dishes, Brasserie on the Corner offers the very best in upscale casual dining, in a buzzing yet relaxed atmosphere. Crafting a lunch and evening menu that combines dishes to suit all tastes, various vegetarian options, a mouth watering dessert bar and a vast artisanal cheese offering, with moderately-priced bistro fare; this restaurant and wine bar will offer something for everyone, on every occasion.

McSwiggans

For nearly 30 years McSwiggans has held a reputation as one of Galway's finest eateries. Central to its success is it commitment to provide a high quality dining experience matched with unrivalled customer service.

The world's oldest oyster festival held over three days. Enjoy 30 bands, a Masquerade Mardi Gras through the streets, 100,000 Galway oysters, fringe events in 20 city venues and the World Oyster Opening Champs.This September, Galway City on the West Coast of Ireland, will come alive with seafood and oysters as it celebrates the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. It is Ireland's oldest food festival and the world's longest running oyster festival.

Established in 1954, The Galway International Oyster & Seafood Festival has welcomed over half a million visitors, consumed more than 3 million oysters – washed down with champagne and stout whilst listening to some of the best musicians in Ireland. It has played host to over 300 international contenders vying for the World Oyster Opening title in the Oyster Olympics, which will be held this year on Saturday, 27 September.

Throughout the three day annual festival, a host of tantalising events take place, including a seafood trail in the city restaurants, oyster hot spots in local bars; the National Oyster Opening Championship on Friday night; the food village at the Festival Marquee with an intimate selection of Galway's finest restaurants serving locally sourced ingredients and seafood; the World Oyster Opening Championship on Saturday; a Gala Masquerade Mardi Gras style event through the streets of Galway; live music, cooking demonstrations; the hot oyster cooking challenge and guest chefs.

Galway Arts Festival | Jul 14 2014 – Jul 27 2014

Ireland's leading arts festival with theatre, spectacle, street art, music, comedy, literature and music producing a stunning fortnight of cultural activity and celebration.Galway Arts Festival is established as Ireland's leading arts festival and one of the most successful arts enterprises in this country. In 2013 the festival had 165,396 attendances at 190 performances, exhibitions and talks which took place in 29 venues.

Over its 36-year history Galway Arts Festival has become one of Europe's premier cultural events and is a vital showcase for Irish arts and international arts. Each July, hundreds of writers, artists, performers and musicians create theatre, spectacle, street art, music, comedy, literature and music to produce a stunning fortnight of cultural activity and celebration.

Galway Film Fleadh | Jul 08 2014 – Jul 13 2014

Ireland's leading international film festival which welcomes a diversity of film-making from around the world to Galway each July. The Fleadh is above all a film lover's festival.The Galway Film Fleadh, Ireland's leading film festival, is a six day international film event held every July which welcomes a diverse range of film-making from around the world. The Fleadh is very much a film lovers' festival, and attracts directors, actors, cinematographers and artists of all generations and cultural backgrounds.

Now in its 26th year, the central goal of the Galway Film Fleadh remains unchanged: to bring together audiences and filmmakers within an intimate environment, and share a common experience – the wonder of cinema. The Fleadh's diverse audience is made up of the general cinema going public, film buffs, student filmmakers, industry professionals and invited guests.

In addition to its celebrated programme of the best in Irish and world cinema the Fleadh also presents master classes, public interviews, debates, workshops and seminars alongside other industry events which take place as part of the Galway Film Fair.

Galway Cathedral Recitals | Jul 03 2014 – Aug 07 2014

Evening concerts in the inspiring setting of Galway's stone cathedral.The Galway Cathedral Summer Concerts 2014 sees a series of evening concerts take place every Thursday at 8pm in the inspiring setting of Galway's stone cathedral.

This year's series includes performances by Aachen Madrigal Choir from north-western Germany, Irish organist Gerard Gillen and organist Thomas Pyrhönen from Finland, among others

Galway Early Music Festival | May 08 2014 – May 11 2014

Presenting an imaginative programme of music and dance, this festival features performances of Greek, Roman, Scandinavian and Irish music from prehistory to the renaissance informed by archaeology & musicology.Presenting an imaginative programme of music and dance, Galway Early Music Festival 2014 will feature performances of Greek, Roman, Scandinavian and Irish music from prehistory to the renaissance informed by archaeology & musicology.

Have you ever heard a tibia, or a carnyx or lyr? Wondered what Nero 'fiddled' as Rome burned or what Larry Loinsigh's harp sounded like? This year's festival presents a series of concerts, lectures and workshops by the foremost European ensembles and researchers who not only ask the questions, but replicate the instruments and interpret the written and artistic sources to create a fascinating glimpse into the early musical culture of Europe. The 2014 festival will follow the development of European Music from ancient to early medieval and renaissance music in a programme guaranteed to delight and astonish.

Featuring ensembles from Italy, Germany, Sweden and Ireland, the programme is colourful both musically and visually. Musicians perform on instruments such as Roman tibia and lyres, the Celtic carnyx and bronze horn, the Irish harp, renaissance shawms, and percussion to bring to life music that has been silent for millennia. Lectures and presentations show how the archaeo-musicological study of surviving instruments, images of music making, and descriptions of music and instruments in surviving literature can help to reconstruct the music.

GEM is honoured to be associate partners with the European Music Archaeology Project (EMAP), with whose help they present this adventurous and entertaining exploration of the roots of European music.

Galway Food Festival | Apr 17 2014 – Apr 21 2014

A celebration of Galway as a good food destination with an extensive and eclectic programme of food trails, talks, demonstrations, tastings, open air markets and family friendly events.The 3rd Galway Food Festival will celebrate Galway's reputation as a good food destination with an extensive and eclectic programme of food trails, food talks, cooking and baking demonstrations, craft beer and wine tastings, open air food markets promoting local produce, food tours to local artisan producers, and family-friendly events.

Last year over 50 restaurants, food outlets and food producers participated and more than 70 individual events, food demonstrations and talks were held across the city and county. A great weekend in a great festival city which is not to be missed!

7 Cross Street, Boutique Townhouse Galway

Bedrooms at 7 Cross Street....

Each room has a special tale to tell and is named after a historical character.

Seep yourself in culture and history as you relax in comfort and style.

The Menlo Park Hotel in Galway

"Our friendly professional team are dedicated to providing excellent service"Enjoy your stay at one of the individual Hotels in Galway/ Fáilte go dtí Gaeltacht na Cathrach – Welcome to the City Gaeltacht!

The Menlo Park Hotel in Galway celebrates 15 years as a family run hotel in 2013. The hotel was opened by Paddy Francis and his son John on the 12th of June 1998. The hotel was built on land that the family lived on for many generations. John can remember playing in the fields as a child and visiting his grandparents home where the apartments are now situated. There is a wealth of local history surrounding the area and this has not been forgotten with many of our conference suites names after local characters.

This award winning Galway Hotel is one of the finest 4 star hotels in Galway City and has 70 elegantly designed guestrooms, including luxurious new Superior King Rooms and a new bridal wing that was added in 2011. We at the Menlo Park Hotel Galway pride ourselves on ensuring each guest has a truly exceptional stay.

The hotel is always at the hub of the local community and our national and international guests mingle with our local clientele in the bar and restaurant.The Live music in the hotel bar at weekends is great fun and attracts many regulars who look forward to a dance and sing song with our talented musicians.Galway Diners will not be disappointed with our tempting choice of restaurants available. The BIA BEO restaurant offers a contemporary fine dining experience where our talented chefs create exquisite dishes using the freshest locally sourced produce. For something more relaxed, drop intoour new Hotel Bar Beoga and enjoy traditional food and drink in a true Galway pub atmosphere.

Beautifully romantic, the Menlo Park Hotel is one of Galway's most perfect wedding venues. With our newly designed Wedding wing and only hosting one Wedding per day, you can be assured that all of our attention is on delivering the day of your dreams.

When choosing a Hotel in Galway - you know that this is one of the best hotels in Galway you can count on for great service and excellent food.

Arches Hotel Claregalway

Owned and operated by the Dunleavy Family, The Arches is a 3* Hotel, situated in the village of Claregalway, conveniently located on the outskirts of the vibrant and bustling Western Capital that is Galway City.

With a warm and intimate environment, The Arches Hotel caters for all needs and provides the perfect base to explore, not only the surrounding counties of Mayo and Roscommon, but also all the beauty and culture that Galway County and City has to offer.

21 Tastefully decorated bedrooms will provide a warm and friendly local atmosphere, wholesome cuisine, great 'craic' in the Bar and traditional nights out that have been loved by so many guests.

We all look forward to your stay with us.

The Victoria Hotel

Our Galway city centre hotel is situated in a fantastic location just off Eyre Square, around the corner from the train and bus station it is perfect for business travellers and leisure breaks. The Victoria Hotel is ideal for a Galway city break with all the shops, visitor attractions and nightlife on our doorstep.

Alexandra's Restaurant serves a varied menu for evening dining, including many tempting traditional Irish dishes (midweek dinner served May - September). Full Irish and continental breakfast is served daily. Our cosy Vic Bar is relaxed and inviting with a tempting bar food menu served from early morning until late at weekends and evenings midweek.

Complimentary wireless internet access is available in public areas and discount parking conveniently close by.

The Victoria Hotel prides itself on our friendly, knowledgeable staff and warm welcome and we look forward to ensuring you have a fantastic stay in Galway city.

The Galway Bay Hotel

Enjoy stunning sea views over Galway Bay and the Clare Hills at the Galway Bay Hotel; an award winning 4 star hotel considered to be one of the top hotels in Galway and located in the very heart of Salthill. Our family-owned Galway Hotel caters for everyone with unrivalled attention to detail and a reputation for excellence. Whether you are visiting Galway for a family break or a romantic break for two, or even planning a wedding, conference or event, the management and staff at Galway Bay Hotel will ensure your stay is one to remember.

Conveniently nestled along Salthill's famous promenade, our luxury hotel in Galway is only a 5 minute drive from Galway City Centre, while at the same time allowing for great ease of access for exploring Connemara and the Aran Islands. It's also the perfect location for your holiday in Ireland with a vast range of local activities to suit everyone.

From the moment you step into the warm and welcoming foyer of one of the very best hotels in Salthill, you won't be able to tear your eyes away from the unrivalled views from our sun-filled conservatory. Gourmet award winning cuisine and friendly welcoming staff, combine to ensure your stay with us at our Galway hotel will be a memorable one.

We look forward to welcoming you at the Galway Bay Hotel!

Clayton Hotel

Clayton Hotel Galway, where you are guaranteed a warm welcome and professional service delivered with a friendly smile throughout your stay.Why Book Clayton Hotel Galway?

A great day starts with a great night's sleep! Relax at this Galway hotel in one of our contemporary and chic bedrooms and enjoy the comfort of a pillow topped mattress, complete with crisp white linen, fluffy duvets and comfy pillows. One of the finest hotels in Galway, Clayton Hotel Galway also offers free parking, free Wi-Fi and use of our leisure centre with 20m swimming pool, with steam room and sauna.

At Clayton Hotel Galway, we are proud to offer one of the most stunning wedding venues in Galway with several wedding packages to suit all budgets. Be sure to make contact with our team and let us make that special day real!

We invite you to be our guest at Clayton Hotel Galway, always an excellent choice when it comes to Galway Hotels, where you can enjoy the unique local charm of Galway City. Call us on +353 91 721900 or email info@clayton.ie to make your booking today.

Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway

The 49 Bedrooms and Suites at Glenlo Abbey Hotel in Galway have been designed with an emphasis on general space and comfort, and afford unrivalled views of the dramatic West of Ireland landscape with its ever changing colours.

We take pride in the standard of our accommodation.Our guests will enjoy luxury surroundings, space, fine linen, towels & bathrobe, deluxe comfort, warmth and peace. All accommodation and services are designed so that our guests experience five star comfort throughout their stay.

Whether it is business or pleasure that brings you to the Glenlo Abbey Hotel Galway, we know that the welcome you receive and the service you enjoy will give you good reason to return and visit us again.

The perfect choice for Hotels in Galway.

Flannery’s Hotel Galway

Welcome to Flannery's Hotel Galway regarded as one of the Finest Family run hotels in Galway. Located in Galway City, enjoy the traditional Irish welcome where you can relax and discover a friendly, comfortable, stylish hotel teeming with a warm hospitality in our Family Friendly Hotel.

Since we first opened our doors in 1969 Flannery's Galway Hotel has been welcoming guests to Galway City from all over Ireland and right across the globe. The hotel offers a choice of 134 stylish guestrooms and suites complimentary with WiFi and Parking.

In The Galwegian Restaurant and Frankie's Bar & Bistro you will enjoy food of the highest quality, prepared for you by our chefs from the freshest and finest local produce.

The Belmont Suite in Flannery's hotel in Galway one of our three conference rooms also provides you with the prefect venue, catering to both Corporate and Family celebrations, including intimate weddings, private functions and any other special occasion.

Many of our guests return again and again, and when we asked them why the answer was simple: The relaxing nature of the hotel and the genuine friendly Irish Family welcome they receive from ourselves and the staff.

So whether you're planning on sampling the wonderful ambience of our vibrant city or organising an event within the hotel, Our hotel is an ideal base for your trip to Galway City.

Here at Flannery's Hotel we aim to ensure that you "Arrive as guests and leave as Friends"Looking forward to welcoming you all soon...!

Mary Flannery

Reservations: +353 (0) 91 755111

Welcome to Flannery’s Hotel Galway regarded as one of the Finest Family run hotels in Galway. Located in Galway City, enjoy the traditional Irish welcome where you can relax and discover a friendly, comfortable, stylish hotel teeming with a warm hospitality in our Family Friendly Hotel.

Since we first opened our doors in 1969 Flannery’s Galway Hotel has been welcoming guests to Galway City from all over Ireland and right across the globe. The hotel offers a choice of 134 stylish guestrooms and suites complimentary with WiFi and Parking.

The Belmont Suite in Flannery’s hotel in Galway one of our three conference rooms also provides you with the prefect venue, catering to both Corporate and Family celebrations, including intimate weddings, private functions and any other special occasion.

Many of our guests return again and again, and when we asked them why the answer was simple: The relaxing nature of the hotel and the genuine friendly Irish Family welcome they receive from ourselves and the staff.

So whether you’re planning on sampling the wonderful ambience of our vibrant city or organising an event within the hotel, Our hotel is an ideal base for your trip to Galway City.

Here at Flannery’s Hotel we aim to ensure that you “Arrive as guests and leave as Friends”Looking forward to welcoming you all soon…!

One of the best-known Galway hotels, Maldron Hotel Galway has over 15 years experience in delighting guests and exceeding their expectations.

Why Book Maldron Hotel Galway?

Maldron Hotel Galway is ideal for business traveller and families alike. Our facilities, services and proximity to local business parks and famous sights makes it an ideal base for either work or leisure in Galway.For Business Traveller:

*Games Room (From 2nd Sept Games Room will be open from 7pm Friday and all day Saturday & Sunday)

Genuine hospitality and friendly service guarantees a relaxing and enjoyable stay at one of the finest hotels Galway has to offer. It is these very traits that ensure our guests return time and time again to this popular Galway hotel.

We are ideally located just outside the picturesque village of Oranmore and 10 minutes from Galway city. If you are looking for a hotel in Galway, look no further, Maldron Hotel in Galway is ideal for families, sightseers and business guests alike.

Please explore the site for information about our latest special offers, accommodation, corporate stays, meeting rooms, leisure centre, Club Vitae Gym & more

The Westwood Hotel

Welcome to the Westwood Hotel Galway, one of the finest hotels in Galway City. Combining the warmth and elegance of the finest country house with all the facilities of a modern four star hotel, this hotel in Galway is the ideal venue whether you travel for business or for pleasure.

Our Location on the main Galway to Clifden road on the West-Side of Galway City ensures our guests are well placed to experience both the vibrancy of the city and the stunning natural beauty of Connemara. We are the most closely located hotel for University College Hospital Galway and the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Twelve Hotel

With prestigious awards under its belt ('Best Gastro Pub in Ireland', Wine Spectator Award for 'one of most outstanding wine lists in the world' & 'Best Overall Boutique Hotel in Ireland') it's no wonder that The Twelve makes for such a popular & stylish staycation or beautiful wedding venue in Galway. The Twelve has the cosiness and welcome that you expect in the West of Ireland but manages to break with age-old tradition with a striking ambience and very understated designer interiors. Relax with seaweed baths in your suite and enjoy dining in our award winning restaurant

Claregalway Hotel Galway provides cosy and contemporary accommodation near Galway City in a fantastic location, close to Galway Airport and all of the major routes to Galway. This Galway hotel is perfectly located for weekend getaways, family breaks or business events.

Claregalway Hotel is a leading Hotel in Galway, nestled in the heart of the thriving village of Claregalway. This multi-award winning hotel provides the perfect base while travelling in the West of Ireland. This is one of the best hotels in Galway and is located on the outskirts of the bustling Galway City, and within day – tripping distance of Connemara. Look no further for the perfect accommodation in Galway

Galway Eyre Square Hotel

At the heart of Galway city centre, set back from Eyre Square, our vibrant hotel is the perfect base for exploring the City of the Tribes.

Bedrooms are bright and comfortable with en-suite bathrooms, cable TV and tea & coffee making facilities. Free wifi is available in the main areas.

Our vivacious Red Square bar is popular with guest and locals alike.

Full Irish breakfast and healthier options are served each morning. In the evening enjoy traditional Irish and classic European favourites in Le Bistro Restaurant.

Galway city centre shopping, cultural attractions and nightlife are all on your doorstep and Ceannt Station for bus and rail is only 1 minute walk.

Forster Court Hotel Galway City Ireland

The Forster Court Hotel is one of the finest boutique hotels in Galway City. With 50 comfortable and inviting bedrooms, our emphasis is on personal service & friendly attention to detail.

Well-appointed double, twin, triple, accessible and family (interconnecting) rooms are available. All our double and twin rooms sleep two people comfortably while our triple rooms can accommodate three people as they are generously proportioned with a double bed and single bed. Interconnecting rooms offer flexibility to families.

Due to the limited number of accessible and interconnecting rooms available, please contact us to make a booking.

All Guest Bedrooms are Non - Smoking.

All of the 50 en-suite bedrooms are well equipped with everything required for a comfortable and enjoyable stay;

FREE high speed WiFi InternetAll day breakfastDiscounted Parking42 inch multi-channel TVHairdryerDry cleaning serviceTea and coffee making facilitiesDirect dial telephoneIron and ironing board on requestTrain Station Meet & Greet Service available upon requestRoom Service

All rooms have been decorated to the highest standard, look no further for accommodation in the heart of Galway City.

Whether you are visiting Galway for business or pleasure

our dedicated team of staff will extend you a heartfelt 'Céad Míle Fáilte'.

Our Family Rooms have one double bed and two single beds or one double, one single and a double couch bed. Please note that the rates applying to children are inclusive of Bed and Breakfast only. The cost of additional children's meals to be paid on departure. We also have a limited number of interconnecting family rooms which consist of a double/single room connected to a family room. These rooms may be necessary for larger families. CALL TODAY FOR RESERVATIONS ON:091 521433

The Ardilaun Hotel – for Luxury Accommodation Galway. Check out our special offers for midweek and weekend breaks in Galway.

A luxury hotel break in Galway is about more than just the high quality of accommodation on offer, it is in the attention to detail and warm welcome on offer. At our 4 star Galway Hotel we aim to please and have a long tradition of hospitality in Galway.

The ‘Spanish Arch Hotel Galway’

Welcome to the newly renovated Spanish Arch Hotel in Galway. Our Hotel situated in the centre of Galway's 'Latin Quarter' in the heart of Galway City and surrounded by many of Ireland's tourist attractions.

The Hotel is perfectly located for those who wish to soak up the unique irish atmosphere on one of Galway's best known and loved streets, Quay Street. View a map of our location in here>>Located in Galway City Centre

The Spanish Arch Hotel Galway offers every possible amenity literally on your doorstep. The hotel offers 20 newly renovated rooms and the Bar serves food of the highest quality and freshness in a comfortable and friendly setting.

Whether your visiting Galway on a weekend break, business trip, or romantic getaway, The Spanish Arch Hotel with its city centre location, is the perfect base for you.Hotel Bar

The Hotel BarOur bar is open 7 days a week with a late bar (2am) on Friday and Saturday nights. Live entertainment 7 nights a week, from Traditional Irish Bands to the High Energy Cover Bands. We serve food 7 days a week in the bar, all our food is homemade. If your looking for a city centre location in Galways Latin Quarter we have it, along with great food, great music and great service.Dining

Table_set_imageIf your organising a group booking in Galways Latin Quarter, dont hesitate to give us a call to see what facilities we have that may suit your group. Whether its a social gathering, family get together, birthday, christening etc we can tailor a menu to suit your needs and budget.

Give us a call now and we'll design a menu and price to meet all of your needs.Live Irish Music in Galway

Table_set_imageThe Spanish Arch, Galway city, has live music 7 nights a week, the best Irish traditional sessions and high energy, upbeat Irish bands that play in Galway, play in the Spanish Arch, there is no entry charge on the door.

From Sunday to Thursday, it's all about the traditional music with lively arrangements of traditional songs so make sure you come visit us when you're in Galway city. Click here to read more about our Traditional Irish Music Sessions. Check us out on Facebook and us to see some videos of the live bands.Hotel Accommodation in Galway

Hotel BedroomThe Spanish Arch Hotel has 20 newly renovated rooms spread out over four floors. Each bedroom is unique in that they are all individually designed and laid out. All rooms are non smoking so as to offer all of our guests the freshest of stays. We can cater for large groups if required. Give us a call on 091 569600 and we'll let you know how to get the best value for all of your group.

Group Parties

Snug_Room_ImageIf your organising an engagment party, birthday or work night out, we have the venue that can suit. We have 3 areas that can accomodate up to 70 people. All the areas are attached to the main bar area which means you still get all the benefits of the Live Bands and all that goes with it. We have a selection of finger food menus which will suit your budget.

If you have 50 or more at your event we dont charge for the food. The rooms are a must see, call in any time.

Snug_Room_ImageOur snug, just off the main bar can cater for up to 60 people and can be booked for either drinks or a meal. We cater for any of the following 30th birthdays, engagements parties, christenings, christmas parties, work parties or if your just looking for a private party venue.

Harbour Hotel Galway

Welcome to the Harbour Hotel Galway, a truly inviting hotel in Galway city centre.

Make the most of our waterfront location in the heart of Galway, where just a 3 minute stroll from our hotel will take you to Eyre Square and the city centre, including Shop Street and the bustling bars & cafés of Quay Street.

Meander along the cultured streets and enjoy the pace of life unique to the West of Ireland.You are assured of a very warm welcome upon arrival.

Our team will welcome you to our modern, comfortable, family owned hotel and take excellent care of you throughout your stay.

We offer secure parking and we are easy to find by car, or from the bus & rail stations.

The House Hotel

Experience the most stylish of Galway's City Centre Hotels. This 4 star Hotel is located one minute from Quay St, Galway's Pub, Club & Restaurant centre and 5 mins from Eyre Square leading onto Galway City Centre Shopping.The House Hotel is a 4 star boutique Hotel and is home to the most popular of Galway's Cocktail bars and trendiest Relax Lounge.

Our Galway city centre hotel rooms are chic, quiet, intimate and oozing in comfort, perfect for any visitor whether it be to enjoy Galway's Festivals, for business meetings , or simply to relax in the City of the tribes.

The Galway City Hotel exudes a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Plenty of seating allows hotel guests to relax wherever they are. The residents lounge in the hotel is an informal cosy retreat open till late. One of the oldest and modern hotels in Galway City the Imperial Hotel offers some of the Best accommodation on Eyre Square, Galway City, Ireland. Excellent hotel deals and bed and breakfast rates are available and please check out or Special Offers Page.

Hotel Accommodation Galway

All of the 80 guest hotel rooms at the Imperial Hotel in Galway City are spacious and bright with modern cherry wood furniture and contemporary hotel décor. We like to think as a Family Run hotel that we are a home from home for our Guest's and that nothing is impossible you just have to ask and we will do our best to help. All of our 80 Guest rooms have centeral control heating and air conditioning which you can adjust to your liking.

Less than ten minutes from Galway City centre, on the eastern side of the city, we are just a short distance from many of Galway's business parks and attractions. The Connacht Hotel is a great place to stay for family breaks, business or pleasure.

With free parking, free WiFi, and complimentary use of our extensive leisure facilities we believe in maximising value for all of our guests, with no hidden extras. We have a choice of accommodation including triples, twin, double and family bedrooms. We also offer interconnecting rooms and one and two bedroom suites.

Choose to dine with us in either Rueben's Restaurant or Bar Solo. Enjoy a drink in the bar whilst watching your favourite teams on Sky Sports & Setanta or enjoy our live music line up at the weekends.

Our kids club with the Friendly Fellows is available most weekends and during school holidays to keep our younger guest happy and entertained.

The G Hotel

In the heart of charming Galway, the 5 star g Hotel and Spa is located less than 5 minutes from Galway City centre, along the majestic coastline of Galway Bay. One of the finest hotels in Galway and the only 5 star property in Galway nothing will prepare you for the first time you step inside the g... You will be greeted by spectacular surroundings and a welcoming ambiance.

As one of the top 5 star hotel and spas in Ireland, the g Hotel combines modern design and comfort with impeccable service and incredible cuisine. Designed by the world renowned milliner, Philip Treacy the g Hotel offers 101 restful bedrooms and magnificent suites and be fully relaxed and rejuvenated. It is the ultimate comfort zone matched by an extensive menu of ESPA treatments.

The g hotel is the ideal base from which to explore Galway: take a leisurely walk to town and visit the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum, Galway Cathedral or enjoy a daytrip to the Aran Islands, Cliffs of Moher, Kylemore Abbey.

Voted as the number one hotel in Ireland by Travel + Leisure, this Galway Hotel is a luxurious escape that combines comfort and lavishness in a totally original fashion.

Hotel Meyrick

The 4 star Hotel Meyrick has been Galway's leading destination for 160 years.

Hotel Meyrick is one of the most elegant 4 star Galway hotels, located on the very fashionable Eyre Square.

One of the leading Galway hotels, Hotel Meyrick combines a stunning Victorian hotel with a superb convenient location ~ the delights of the city are right on your doorstep; with many shops to explore, theatres to delight, restaurants to sample and nightlife tto enjoy, all a short walk from this hotel in Galway. You won't beat the Meyrick, it is one of the best located hotels in Galway city.

Enjoy luxury accommodation at this Eyre Square hotel, a fine range of bar & dining options and soothing spa packages and treatments. Hotel Meyrick is also a popular venue for Galway weddings and also a highly popular corporate hotel.

Hotel Meyrick, a luxury 4 star hotel in Galway, is the perfect destinatioon to enjoy the ambience and festivities of this great city. Contact us on IE +353 91564041 Call or reshm@hotelmeyrick.ie.

We look forward to welcoming you!

The 4 star Hotel Meyrick has been Galway’s leading destination for 160 years.

Hotel Meyrick is one of the most elegant 4 star Galway hotels, located on the very fashionable Eyre Square.

One of the leading Galway hotels, Hotel Meyrick combines a stunning Victorian hotel with a superb convenient location ~ the delights of the city are right on your doorstep; with many shops to explore, theatres to delight, restaurants to sample and nightlife t

You are guaranteed the best of all worlds when you stay at the luxury 4 star Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa Galway. One of the finest Galway Hotels with scenic Galway Bay views, luxury city centre hotel accommodation, excellent food, world class spirit one spa & leisure facilities, superb conference & meeting venue and elegant wedding facilities.

Ideally located on the waterfront of Lough Atalia and overlooking Galway Bay, the Radisson Blu Hotel Galway & spirit one spa is only a few minutes walk to the buzzing Galway city centre and only a 2 hour drive from Dublin and 1 hour transfer from Shannon & Knock airports at one of the top 4 star hotels Ireland has to offer.

Start your Irish experience at Barnacles Hostel Dublin and Barnacles Hostel Galway, the perfect location to explore both Dublin and Galway. Barnacles hostels are the best located hostels, not to mention we have scooped our share of awards as well, so you know you are in the safe hands (not to brag, but have a peek in our awards section)

Our hostels are specifically designed for you, the modern day traveller - Cheap Accommodation with state of the art facilities, superior comfort and a relaxed and friendly vibe, all at affordable rates. You can find the Barnacles team 24 hours a day, ready to give you tips and local knowledge on how best to enjoy your time with us. For your comfort, all our rooms are ensuite, we have female only rooms, there is little shop with necessities open 24 hours for you and we are coming up with new and fun things to do on a daily basis (look into our gallery, if you want to see it for yourself)

We will be happy to help you with your next trip and book transfers, tours, adventure days out, shopping trips or even mad looking party buses – just let us know what would make your stay with Barnacles complete.

Why stay at our hostel? Because we're the friendliest and best value hostel in Galway. If you are looking to stay in a friendly and homely hostel please come and visit us during your stay in Galway. You can book your stay now with us by using the "Book Now" box located on the left hand side. If you have stayed with us before you can send your comments and photos to staff@swhostel.com

Sleepzone Hostel

Sleepzone is situated in the centre of Galway City — 100 metres from Eyre Square, only three minutes from the bus & rail terminal and coach station, and close to all the city's amenities, including pubs, clubs, cafes, and restaurants.

Sleepzone serves as the perfect gateway to the beautiful West of Ireland. We can help you to arrange tours to the Cliffs of Moher, The Burren and Connemara, and also overnight accommodation in one of our sister hostels in Connemara or The Burren.

For secure online reservations at Sleepzone Galway City go to Book Now; for a greater variety of options go to the Accommodation Enquiry form; or for more general queries complete our Contact Us form.

The Forge House B&B

The Forge House B& B is ideally situated beside famous Irish music pubs, restaurants, theatre, University College, hospital and shopping areas. It has its own private car park and there is a TV in all of the rooms. Broadband is also available to guests.

The Forge House is a charming period house, which was once known as Coogans Forge where horses were shod from the 1800's to the 1960's. Fintan Coogan senior who was mayor of Galway owned the Forge and worked there for many years.

Westway Guest House

Westway Guest House on the outskirts of Galway City, on the main artery into and out of the city, on the N6 East Dublin Road. Main hostess Jennifer would like to welcome you to her website and her home. With many years experience in making sure that guests have a wonderful, comfortable stay, many return again and again. Being ideally located, we are easy to get to and easy to get away from, on the next leg of your journey.

The Periwinkle Bed and Breakfast

This Galway city Bed and Breakfast is situated in a quiet cul de sac by the sea, and is a ten minute walk to Galway city centre. A ten minute walk in the opposite direction from the Periwinkle Bed and Breakfast will take you to the seaside town of Salthill. Bus tours can be arranged for you, and many of the tour companies will pick you up at the Periwinkle Bed & Breakfast at no extra charge.

We hope your stay here and in Galway city will be as enjoyable as many of our other guests have testified in our guestbook.Most guests tell me it's the location, attention to detail and the helpful and friendly atmosphere that sets this Galway Bed & Breakfast apart. - See more at: http://www.periwinklegalway.com/#sthash.lywTolxE.dpuf

Darcys B&B

D'Arcys is a comfortable modern guest house ideally located within a short walk from Galway City Centre and the Latin Quarter, the historic Spanish Arch and bustling Quay street. Salthill Promenade and beaches are on our door step with the Burren, Aran Islands and Connemara just a day trip away. D'Arcys is run by Pat and Mary D'Arcy. They are both Galway natives who will provide a warm, friendly atmosphere from which to base your visit to Galway. All rooms are en suite with cable television and free wireless connection. We have enclosed, secure parking facilities. There are a variety of freshly cooked breakfasts accompanied by a selection of cereals, juices, yogurts and fresh fruit.

CLOCHARD BED AND BREAKFAST

Clochard is a family Bed and Breakfast at Spires Gardens, Galway. Spires Gardens was originally part of the O'Hara of Lenaboy estate. Clochard B&B is only a short distance from Galway's Ceannt Railway station and Kennedy Park, which is named after the late John F. Kennedy former US President. Galway's World famous Salmon Weir fishery, Cathedral and University are only a few minutes walk .

Spires Gardens is also serviced by a regular bus service. Fishing, Golf, Horse riding are available locally. Information on walks and mountain walking is also available. The house is part of a small development which is surrounded by a high wall and defense tower. The wall and tower dates back to the early 19th Century and would have been requisitioned by Lieutenant Colonel O Hara. The tradesmen were paid one penny per day.

Clochard Bed and breakfasy is a great location for touring Galway and Mayo in Beautiful Connemara which has been described as one of the most beautiful places in Ireland. If you do not have a car you can do this tour by coach or rent a car at Galway Airport from Ireland Car Hire and City Car Rentals . Depart from Galway and follow the R336 west along the north shore of Galway Bay visiting An Spidéal , Clifden, Cong, Roundwood, Leenane.

Clochard Galway Bed and Breakfast offers Free Internet Access with Wifi and Private Parking for their guests, we are open March to October and we look forward to welcoming you to Galway for 2013.

Amber Hill Bed & Breakfast

Amber Hill is a tastefully decorated purpose built Bed & Breakfast. Located just 20 minutes walk from Salthill centre and 10 minutes walk to the beaches of Galway Bay.

Amber Hill is the gateway to the west with easy access to the picturesque landscape of Connemara, Clifden and The Cliffs of Moher.

5 minutes drive by car/taxi or 25 minutes on foot will bring you to the bustling heart of Galway City. We are sure you will not find a friendlier, cleaner, or well equipped guesthouse in Galway. Amber Hill is a Non-Smoking B&B.

The Swallow B&B

The Swallow is family run bed and breakfast located in Galway city, we have have been welcoming guests into our house for over 20 years and always like to meet new travellers.

Our house is a purpose built bed and breakfast conveniently located within a 7/8 minute walk from the Galway City Centre. It is also an ideal location for touring Connemara, the Aran Islands and The Burren.

All rooms are en-suite with T.V, hair dryer, and complimentary tea and coffee making facilities.

There is a private car park outside the door and we are close to all amenities and activities - beaches, golf courses, swimming pool, horseriding to name a few! we are always willing to help make your stay in Galway one to remember.

~ Patricia and Jimmy ~

Aaron House Guest House

Aaron House is a family-owned and run Bed and Breakfast situated in the heart of Galway city. We offer welcoming, clean and affordable accommodation for all visitors to this vibrant city. All rooms are ensuite with cable tv and coffee making facilities. Free "wi-fi" Internet access is available throughout the building. There ample parking and Eyre Square is just a five minute walk away!

Adare Guesthouse

Adare guest House is a family managed guesthouse within a five-minute's walk to the city centre of the old medieval Galway city. It boasts a superb location in the heart of the historic and cultural capital of the west. It is situated near the Spanish Arch and Claddagh areas of Galway and is minutes from Salthill - Galway's best known seaside resort, which fronts on to the beautiful Galway Bay. Refurbished with bright new colours, fresh flowers, china and silver you can enjoy your multi choice breakfast over looking our beautiful patio area. After breakfast you can spend a while enjoying our unique organic vegetable garden and glass house. Our rooms cater for all needs from couples to families and large groups. Adare Guest House has been providing accommodation for over 40 years to overseas visitors as well as Irish visitors. We have been closely associated with the Theatre industry and have provided accommodation to many famous actors over the years. We offer free secure parking to all our patrons.

Dunaras Holiday Apartments

Dunaras Holiday Apartments in Galway is available as summertime holiday accommodation from June to August. Dunaras in holiday time is a perfect base for the visitor. The apartments are centrally located to enjoy the buzz of Galway's colourful city or the peace and tranquility of Connemara. Salthill, Ireland's premier resort with it's beaches and promenades is less than a mile away and the new Glen Oaks Hotel and Restaurant is just next door. Galway city is a vibrant mix of old and new. A medieval city, its pedestrianised streets rub shoulders with some of Ireland's finest shopping malls linked in with marvellous old world pubs full of music or quiet corners for a relaxing pint.

The Western Hotel

The Western Hotel is located in the heart of Galway City and offers the highest standard of accommodation. The family run hotel comprises of three impressive Georgian buildings and blends an old style feel with all modern conveniences. The Western Hotel has a long tradition of hospitality, enjoyed by our many guests throughout the years. A unique and friendly atmosphere allows you to feel right at home. Among the 40 rooms we have to offer are single, double, twin, family and triple rooms, as well as a room with facilities to accommodate our wheelchair using guests.

Behind the hotel are located the Western Apartments which are designed with comfort and style in mind. Each apartment offers a fully functional kitchen, a light and comfortable seating area, bathroom and two separate bedrooms. They are equipped to the highest standard with all the facilities you may require during your stay. Guests have their choice of apartment; with two consisting of two bedrooms, each with a double bed; and the others with two bedrooms and 3 beds in all, to cater for larger groups. All apartments are completely self catering and are not serviced but are equipped with a starter pack of shampoos, soaps and towels as well as a starter pack of tea and coffee. Breakfast is not included with apartments, but can be obtained from the Western Hotel.

The Western Bar within the hotel is a warm and welcoming place, traditional, friendly and renowned for the largest open traditional Irish music sessions in Galway. Traditional Irish music sessions take place on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 9.30pm, Ceili Irish Set dancing on Wednesdays from 9pm, a local band playing all your favourite Irish Songs on Friday from 9.30, Live Band on Saturdays from 9.30pm and our House DJ playing all your old favourites on Sunday from 9.30pm

Corrib Princess

Corrib Princess Scenic Cruise on Lough Corrib this being the second largest lake in Ireland offers a wonderful cruise for all the family departing from Woodquay in the heart of Galway city.

Its an ideal cruise for families, School tours, Club outings etc.. The cruise takes you up the River Corrib onto Lough Corrib passing Castles with unsurpassed views of the historic monuments and natural amenities.

Skipper Rory gives a commentary on all the points of interest along the way as she sails along one of the most spectacular waterways in Ireland. There is an abundance of wild life with many Swan families and the Corrib has a peace and tranquility all of its own.

She has two decks, upper deck allowing for great photo opportunities and an indoor heated saloon which is ideal for all weather cruising.

Salthill Promenade

Salthill has been a tourist destination since the early twentieth century. During the 1950s it was a hot spot for dance and show-bands, the most noticeable location being the Seapoint dance hall now a leisure centre.

The 1970s saw the introduction of a number of casinos and more leisure centres. Leisureland, having a fair ground, swimming pool and concert hall, became a huge attraction and brought in top bands such as U2, AC/DC and ZZ Top during the 1980s, as well as artists such as Morrissey in recent years. There was an annual airshow (up until 2007) where up to 100,000 people viewed the air display along with a public water safety and army demonstration.

In recent years, Salthill was a centre point for the 2009 Volvo Ocean Race, as well as the more recent Round-Ireland Powerboat race in 2010. During these events, stands were set up along the Prom selling a variety of goods. Throughout all the developments, Salthill's main attraction every year has been its promenade and numerous sandy beaches. Sathill having a clear blue sea along with a diving area located at Blackrock beach is popular with locals and tourists alike. Blackrock, having steps down to the sea, is used all year round regardless of the water temperature.

John F. Kennedy Memorial Park is an inner-city public park in Galway, Ireland, formerly officially named Eyre Square (Irish: An Fhaiche Mhór) and still widely known by that name. The park is within the city centre, adjoining the nearby shopping area of Williams Street and Shop Street.

The park is rectangular, surrounded on three sides by streets that form the major traffic arteries into Galway city centre; the West side of the Square was pedestrianised in 2006.

The origin of the square comes from medieval open space in front of town gate, known as The Green. Markets mostly took place in the northern part of the space. The earliest endeavour to glamourise it was recorded in 1631. Some ash-trees were planted and the park was enclosed by a wooden fence. The plot of land that became Eyre Square was officially presented to the city in 1710 by Mayor Edward Eyre, from whom it took its name.[1] In 1801, General Meyrick erected a stone wall around the square, which was later known as Meyrick Square.[2] In the middle of the 19th century, the whole park underwent a redevelopment in Georgian style. In the 1960s, a full-scale reconstruction started and iron railings were removed and raised around the backyard of St. Nicholas' Church, and in 1965 the park reopened with a new name.

In 1965, the square was officially renamed "John F. Kennedy Memorial Park" in honour of US President John F. Kennedy, who visited Galway city and made a speech in the square on June 29th, 1963. A redevelopment of the square began in 2004.[4] There was some controversy when it was reported that the building contractors had left the site and were not returning.[5] The square reopened on 13th April 2006 having cost €9.6 million to redevelop. The finished square received the Irish Landscape Institute Design Award in 2007.

In October 2011, Occupy Galway began in Eyre Square as part of the global Occupy Movement.Statues and attractionsFountain depicting Galway Hookers in Eyre Square with Browne doorway in background

The park used to house two large, cast-iron cannons which were presented in recognition of the service of the Connaught Rangers, an Irish Regiment in the British Army, in the Crimean War.[8] A statue of Irish language writer Pádraic Ó Conaire was erected in his memory in 1935.However, during the redevelopment works, this was removed and it now resides in the new Galway City Museum in the Spanish Arch area of the city. There is a portrait bust of U.S. President John F. Kennedy in the park.

The Browne doorway is also another attraction in Eyre Square as it was originally the doorway of the Browne family's home on Lower Abbeygate Street but it was moved in 1905 from Abbeygate street to Eyre Square.References

Galway Cathedral

The Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and St Nicholas (Irish language: Ard-Eaglais Mhaighdean na Deastógála agus Naomh Nioclás), commonly known as Galway Cathedral, is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Galway, Ireland, and is one of the largest and most impressive buildings in the city.

Construction began in 1958 on the site of the old city jail, In 1965, it was dedicated, jointly, to Our Lady Assumed into Heaven and to St. Nicholas.

The Architect of the Cathedral was John J. Robinson who had previously designed many churches in dublin and around the country. The architecture of the Cathedral draws on many influences. The dome and pillars reflect a Renaissance style. Other features, including the rose windows and mosaics, echo the broad tradition of Christian art. The Cathedral dome, at a height of 44.2 metres (145 ft), is a prominent landmark on the city skyline

Nightlife

Galway is home to a vibrant nightlife scene

The city has many, many pubs and bars as well as a few nightclubs. The possibilities are endless, from a quiet night out with friends to traditional Irish music and storytelling, or a night out dancing. The legal drinking age in Ireland is 18. There is a a Galway based website called Galway City Pub Guide which gives great reviews and tips including video & photos from pubs in galway. For a listing of pubs, bars and events in Galway visit IrishTourist's pub page.

TRAD MUSIC SESSIONS

Many come to Galway to party as much as they can, but many a connoisseur will come to find the best Galway has to offer, in terms of good quality trad music. If this is what you're looking for, your best bet among all pubs is The Crane Bar on Sea Road: 2 floors, one bar on each of them - ground floor is open to anyone willing to play trad music (and there are usually a lot of musicians there), while the 1st floor is reserved for musicians 3 nights a week, some well known, some less. It is well worth to cross the bridge and walk the extra 5 minutes to spend an unforgettable evening there. Second and third: Taaffes, on Shop Street, and Tigh Chóilí, almost facing each other in the pub district, are good trad pubs too, just check inside, next to the door, if musicians are there or not, and if the style suits you (Taaffes 6 PM sessions sometimes do not materialize)

Cookes Thatch Pub which is one of only two Thatch Pubs left in the City and dates from the 1600's has Trad music sessions on Wednesday and Sunday nights which generally consist of 5 or more musicians.

Off the beaten track, but well worth the short walk, is the Thursday night music session at the Western Bar, just up from Eyre Square. This is one you won't find in the tourist books, but in the last year or two has become one of the liveliest city jams. Sessions, despite what is advertised in the windows, usually begin at 10PM (used to be 9:30) :

The best bar scene is small country pubs. Here you get a taste of old Ireland. Galway city pubs are great too, but you will still find traditional ireland, despite the huge changes this country has gone through.

History of Galway

Pre-12th CenturyIt is generally agreed that the town was named after the river, which was known until recently as the Galway River rather than the Corrib. The Irish name for river is 'Gaillimh', but the precise meaning of this is disputed. One version has it that Gaillimh was the name of the daughter of an Iron-age chieftain who was drowned in the river. Recent finds of stone implements suggest that there has been human habitation at the site since neolithic (New Stone Age) times. A dun (or fort) was built at some time, and there was probably a settlement of fishermen at what is known as The Claddagh from early times. The Vikings visited the area in 927A.D. and ravaged the local monasteries, but, curiously, failed to found a town as they did in other places. This is odd, given that the river and lake gave access by water well into Connaucht.

12th CenturyThe O'Connors built a dun with wooden fortifications near the mouth of the river in 1124. In 1132 O'Brien (King of Munster) sent a force which destroyed it. This kind of warfare between the clans was a feature of Irish life since early times.It is recorded that in 1154 ships sailed from beside the dun, which had been rebuilt. This establishes Galway as a port for the first time.

13th CenturyThe Anglo-Normans under Richard de Burgo invaded Connacht and captured the dun in 1235 from the O'Flahertys, and established a castle there. Despite frequent attacks by the dispossessed O'Flahertys, De Burgo held firm.1270: Richard de Burgo started to build the wall, turning Galway into a walled town protected by a castle. Eventually approximately 25 acres were enclosed.

14th Century1312: extra walls were constructed as Galway town became progressively more isolated from the Anglo-Norman settlements due to the revival of native Irish power. 1320: the church of St. Nicholas of Myra was erected as parish church for the town. (The Franciscans had a friary outside the town since 1296.)A series of charters were granted to Galway on petition by Richard II (1361-1400) and Henry IV (1367-1413). The walls were extended and improved, and coins were minted.

15th CenturyBy 1450 the well-known town houses began to appear, as the famous 14 Families (incorrectly known as the '14 Tribes'), began to establish themselves at the top of civic life. Later, a charter from Richard III (1452-1485) emancipated Galway from the control of the descendants of the de Burgos, who had more or less gone native. This charter allowed the election of a mayor and two bailiffs. This effectively gave Galway considerable self-government.The town's church, St. Nicholas of Myra, was governed by the diocese of Tuam. The city notables disliked this, and contrived to have the Pope Innocent VIII (reign 1484-1492) issue a Bull (Papal declaration) that the church in Galway would be free of diocesan control and instead would be ruled by a Warden assisted by eight vicars. The Warden was to be elected by the 14 families, and continued under the reformed church until 1840. Thus by 1484 Galway had both civil and ecclesiastical independence, and its remote location guaranteed it the status of a city state.Most medieval cities, whose buildings were constructed of wood and thatch, had a Great Fire. Galway had two, in 1473 and 1500, and as a result the city was rebuilt in stone.

16th CenturyFor the next hundred years Galway traded extensively with the continent, especially Spain, exporting local produce such as fish, wool and leather, and importing fruit, oil and most importantly wine. Under the rule of a series of Mayors drawn from the 14 families, the city became extremely wealthy and prospered, as a city hospital (St. Brigid's) was built, and Elizabeth I (1533-1603) granted a charter for a town gaol in 1578, and a garrison was set to defend the town.1588: The year of the Spanish Armada. Two hundred Spaniards who came ashore after a shipwreck in Galway Bay were butchered by order of the Lord Deputy.1599: Red Hugh O'Donnell, engaged in a lengthy war with the Queen, passed by and burned a convent, but Galway itself was unharmed. By 1602 the town was fully fortified, and a patent for a fair was granted in 1613.

17th CenturyThe famous Free School had been established in 1580, and had prospered to such a degree (despite being temporarily suppressed by James I (1566-1625)) that the enrolment is said to have reached 10,000, and the numbers of scholars attending became a nuisance to the town, so that in 1627 it was ordered that all foreigners and beggars were to be whipped out of the town. Sadly, this great educational establishment closed in 1652 as part of the general post-Cromwellian decline.The success of Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658) in his struggle with the King was bad news for Galway. In 1651 Sir Charles Coote invested the town by land and sea, and in 1652 starvation forced a surrender on apparently favourable terms which were not adhered to. All Catholics were expelled from the town, and the great town houses of the 14 families were confiscated and given to soldiers of the occupying forces in lieu of pay. They quickly fell into ruin as the prosperity of the town declined.

18th CenturyAfter the Restoration, Galway looked to recover its former position of wealth, but the War of William and James brought this recovery to an end. Under the Penal Laws, which at first were rigorously enforced, Catholics suffered severe disabilities in relation to education, ownership of property and civil rights. After about 1750 religious tolerance returned as the inhabitants returned to their primary concern of making money through trade and industry, which had been Galway's great preoccupation since the Middle Ages. This time the new growth in prosperity was water-based, as the river's force was harnessed to power a number of mills, breweries and distilleries. At the same time most of the inhabitants lived in squalor and filth.

19th CenturyThis short-lived period of recovery lasted until the Great Famine 1846 - 1848. There have been several famines in Irish history, but this famine was nationwide and exceeded them all in severity and duration. The pre-famine population of Ireland is estimated to have been in the region of 8 million. By 1850 this number was reduced to less than 6 million, and this decline continued throughout the rest of the century as people emigrated in droves principally to England, Scotland, North America, Australia and New Zealand. During the famine years, great numbers of poor people flocked to Galway port to travel to the United States. There were however some signs of better times. Queen's College Galway opened in 1849, and the first railway connection to Galway opened in 1851. However the town remained in general decline, and the population reached an all-time low of 13000 in 1911.

20th CenturyIn the 20th century Galway staged a slow recovery; Salthill, once a distant and small resort became a suburb as the town began to spread and economic recovery speeded up, greatly helped by the presence of tourists in summer and college students in winter. One casualty of progress was the old Claddagh Village. The Claddagh, a tightly-knit fishing community that kept itself aloof from the rest of the town had survived all the ups and downs of history with its own culture and customs largely intact, a maze of small thatched cabins clustered behind the Dominican church. In 1934 Galway Corporation took an interest on grounds of health and hygiene; the little houses were demolished, the streets were tarred (in place of the traditional cobbles) and local-authority houses were built to house the inhabitants. At a stroke, hundreds of years of local history and autonomy were wiped out of existence. Today the Claddagh is just another suburb, a historically uninteresting cluster of streets, and no trace of its colourful past remain.21st Century

Galway Today: Today Galway is reputed to be the fastest growing city in Europe. Prosperity has returned with a vengeance. During the summer months traffic congestion is virtually unbearable in the city; there is a week-long festival race-meeting at the end of July that attracts thousands to the suburb of Ballybrit, where vast sums are wagered over six days racing. A variety of other festivals keep the city busy all through the summer, as Galway has gone back to its historic pre-occupation with trade, commerce and the making of money.

The 14 Tribes of Galway: All were originally Anglo-Norman who came to positions of authority after c.1450. The most prominent family was Lynch, who provided 84 mayors to the city, and whose town house still stands in Shop Street. Sadly, it was 'renovated' in the sixties by its present owners, the Allied Irish Bank, whose principal interest was in efficient and profitable banking rather than conservation, and so only the shell of the building is intact. These town houses were known as 'castles', and the bank is still known as Lynch's Castle. The other families were (in alphabetical order): Athy, Blake, Bodkin, Browne, D'arcy, Deane, Ffont, Ffrench, Joyce, Martin, Morris and Skerritt. Many of these names came to prominence later in the history of the county.

The Claddagh: 'Cladach' means a stony foreshore, and a settlement of fishermen seems to have existed here since the earliest times. The city walls never enclosed the Claddagh, which retained its own customs, a large degree of self-government and its own 'King'.

Nora Barnacle House

The Nora Barnacle House, in Galway City is the smallest museum in Ireland. Nora Barnacle was wife and muse to James Joyce and this was her tiny family home. She lived here with her mother and six younger siblings until she left Galway in 1904.

The Nora Barnacle House was built in the 1800s, and is the smallest house in the street, with accommodation consisting of two rooms and a tiny back yard. The ground floor room served as a kitchen, dining room and often a bedroom.

James Joyce first met his mother-in-law in this house. The building, now returned to its 1900s condition, is full of letters, photographs and other memorabilia illuminating the lives of the Joyces and the Barnacles. Guided tours are available in summer.

The Bridge Mills

The commanding building on the banks of the Corrib, which houses the Bridge Mills, is one of Galways landmarks. Restored a few years ago with due regard for its aesthetic and historical features, the 430 year old Bridge Mills is now a centre of art, culture and specialised skill-based commercial projects. Visitors and locals alike delight in the distinctive, finely crafted gifts, clothing, cuisine, on offer. The art gallery and language school and beautiful surroundings, both natural and designed from the human mind appeal greatly to the aesthetic and educational needs to all visitors.

The several outlets there specialise in a range of quality goods such as antiques, eastern quality goods at affordable prices, floral and other unusual craft gifts, natural enviromentally careful products for the home, classroom and garden, and an art gallery.

Lynch Memorial Window

Situated in Market Street, at the edge of the graveyard attached to St. Nicholas’s Church, is an “ancient memorial” commemorating the 'stern and unbending justice' of the local magistrate Robert Lynch Fitzstephen, who reputedly hung (lynched?) his own son for the murder of a Spanish merchant in 1493. The wall however was not built until 1854. Complete with genuine old window and door fragment it serves as a fascinating example of 19th century heritage tourism. The story itself may or may not be true, but it has parallels in the story of Lucius Junius Brutus, founder of the Roman Republic, who executed his own sons for treason. The Lynch affair is quoted as an example of the civic mindedness of the great Galway families, who would not think twice about putting city before family. The term ‘to lynch’ (i.e. to hang a person illegally) is sometimes associated with this incident

Kirwans Lane

Kirwan's Lane contains many relics of 16th and 17th century architecture. It is located in the centre of the area that was originally within the city walls, and is named after one of Galway's fourteen "tribes" - the families who ruled the town for several centuries. Its complete restoration has pumped life back into the heart of the historical town centre. Now home to cafes, restaurants and craft-shops, the lane captures the atmosphere of old Galway.

Galway's most important medieval street is home to Busker Browne's Pub which contains part of the 'Slate Nunnery', given to the Dominican nuns in 1686 by John Kirwan. Further down the lane is were Wolfe Tone played in the little theatre founded by 'Humanity' Dick Martin in the 18th century.

The Lane, which stood in ruins for many years, has been recently revamped and restored to its former splendor. It was here in the late 18th century that Richard Martin built a 100 seat theatre for his wife. The theatre saw many acclaimed performances in its day, and among those to tread the boards were the rebel patriot, Theobald Wolfe Tone, Richard Martin himself, and his wife. Other notable buildings on the Lane were two nunneries. Kirwan's Lane is now home to a number of unique craft shops, including Design Concourse Ireland, which features the best of Irish craftwork.

The Claddagh

Claddagh (Irish: an Cladach, meaning "the shore") is an area close to the centre of Galway city, where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay. It was formerly a fishing village, just outside the old city walls. It is just across the river from the Spanish Arch, which was the location of regular fish markets where the locals supplied the city with seafood as recently as the end of the 19th century. People have been gathering seafood and fishing from the area for millennia. It is one of the oldest former fishing villages in Ireland - its existence having been recorded since the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century.

During the 19th century the Claddagh attracted many visitors, including writers who spread its fame. The original village of thatched cottages was razed in the 1930s and replaced by a council-housing scheme.

The Claddagh is most famous internationally for the Claddagh ring,[citation needed] which is popular among those of Irish heritage as both a friendship and wedding ring. This traditional design consists of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, and symbolises love, friendship and loyalty.

The Claddagh area contains a national school, Community Centre and a Catholic Church.

Notable natives of the area include Thomas Grady.

Eyre Square

Courthouse & Town Hall

Galway’s Town Hall Theatre, incorporates a state of the art 400-seater Auditorium and a 60-seater Studio Space. The nearby Black Box performance space presents an extensive and eclectic mix of theatre, concerts, musicals, dance and film

National University of Ireland, Galway

The National University of Galway, formerly known as University College Galway, was built by the banks of the Corrib River in 1845 and officially opened in 1849.

The stone quadrangle is one of the city's most famous landmarks.

The University which is merely a ten minute walk from the city centre, as well as educating thousands of studends each year, plays an important role in the cultural life of Galway. It is the venue for many musical, literary and sporting events. -

Salmon Weir Bridge

The Salmon Weir Bridge was constructed in 1818 and it was intended to link the old Gaol (on the site of the cathedral) with the courthouse, a distance of no more than two hundred yards! It was also to provide a connection with the main road to Connemara. The river was first drained between 1845 and 1849 and a regulating Weir was built.

Between 1952 and 1959, the Corrib was again drained and the present regulating weir was built. This is the largest and most impressive weir in the country with a water flow of 4 million gallons per second at full flood, and 100,000 gallons per second at low flood. The tremendous rush of water through the weir is absolutely breathtaking at full flood, and the bridge is regularly lined with locals and tourists alike, absorbed by the spectacle.

Galway Museum

In April 2007 a new purpose built museum building was opened, behind the site of the old museum at Comerford House. The new Galway City Museum project was the initiative of Galway City Council to advance the cultural and heritage life of Galway City. The building was designed by Ciaran O'Connor and Ger Harvey, architects with the Office of Public Works, who were contracted by the Galway City Council. The new museum is located along the River Corrib beside the Spanish Arch, a protected monument which formed part of the defensive medieval wall that once surrounded the city of Galway. The design of the building creates a plaza or square between the museum and the Spanish Arch; a public space which is at times used for civic events.Partial View of the Galway City Museum from the Spanish Arch

The plan of the museum is composed in an 'L' shape and was restricted to three levels in order to maintain the scale of the surrounding buildings. The project was completed in 2006 and resulted in a space of 2,100 meters squared with a final cost of €6,890,000. The architects of the building won the Bank of Ireland Opus Architectural Award for their design in 2006.Galway City Museum Today

The museum today hosts a variety of permanent and touring exhibitions. The permanent exhibitions include; Routes to the Past (Pre-Historic Galway); Galway Within the Walls (Medieval Galway); Pádraic Ó Conaire: Man and Statue;Dance Hall Days; Cinema in Galway; and Galway and the Wars of Empire. Temporary exhibitions have included; Jack B. Yeats', 'Between Art and Industry' and 'Uisce agus Bheatha/ Water and Life', an exhibition regarding the heritage of people, places, boats and water.

Museum Collection

Galway City Museum collects, perserves and displays materials relating to the history of Galway City; Archaeology, Art, Geology, Natural History, Social, Political and Industrial History and Folklife. The museum began as a collection of medieval stones acquired by artist Claire Sheridan of Comerford House and, over the years expanded to include general folk life, industrial and militia objects.

In April 2007 the new purpose built museum building was opened, located behind the site of Comerford House. The new building houses the collections of the previous city museum, as well as objects acquired for the new facility, although the majority of the collection is that which was inherited from Comerford House. The Comerford House collection includes almost 1,000 objects relating to various periods in history, collected over a period of about thirty years.[

Lynch’s Castle

Lynch's Castle is located on the northwest corner of Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, and is a fine example of a town castle. Town castles were popular homes for wealthy merchants in Ireland in the 15th and 16th centuries.The Lynch family were first among the 14 Tribes in power.

The earliest recorded member of the family is Thomas de Linch, provost of Galway 1274. Moreover, the name Lynch features prominently in all surviving records of Galway life from the 13th Century onwards.The family were instrumental in wrestling the town from the lordship of the Burkes and setting it on the path to independence. Also, they were almost entirely responsible for the instrument of Autonomy, the Charter of Mayoralty granted by King Richard 111 in London in 1484 and so a Lynch became the first Mayor of Galway and in total 64 individual Lynches have occupied the office of Mayor of Galway since that time.

The castle has been beautifully restored over the years. In fact it is the only medieval building left intact and in present day use in Galway, it is now used as a bank. The castle contains beautiful stone carvings on the exterior along with a number of decorative windows and dates back to the late 15th century.On the Abbeygate side it has two harness like half arches with round holes parallel to the window. The holes once contained wooden beams, which were used to haul up furniture too large to come through the door. It has been in use for various commercial purposes since atleast the early 1800's, and in 1930 was bought by Allied Irish Banks, who undertook a programme of restoration. In the course of the renovations they discovered an early 17th century fireplace, which has been re erected in the vestibule.

Lynch's Castle is one of Galway's great treasures, most of us pass by without a second glance, but it is worth taking a few minutes to pause and look at the wonderful carvings, and to wander into the vestibule and look at the amount of Galway history on display on its walls.

The most well known story concerning the Lynch family is the connection with Mayor James Lynch Fitz Stephen, who is alleged to have hung his own son after being found guilty of murdering a young Spaniard who winked at his girlfriend, in the 1490's. However those suspicions of the veracity of the incident which is said to have taken place at what is now a free standing wall with a pointed window adjacent to St Nicholas' graveyard, have pointed out that the date of the stone =work is wrong for the period in which the story is set. Moreover, there is no record of such an event, because as was pointed out some years ago "you can't hang a 15th century man out of a 16th century window"! Many of us still believe that that is the origin of the word "lynching". - See more at: http://www.periwinklegalway.com/galway/item/5-lynchs-castle#sthash.BjCh0tDy.dpuf

St. Nicholas’ Church

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship. It is located in Galway in the Republic of Ireland and was founded in 1320, dedicated (like many other European churches in seaports) to Saint Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of seafarers. The church now belongs to the Church of Ireland.

The church was raised to the status of a collegiate church by letters under the seal of Donatus Ó Muireadhaigh, the Archbishop of Tuam, on 28 September 1484, the same year in which Galway was granted a Royal Charter and given mayoral status. The granting of collegiate status was confirmed on 8 September 1485 by papal bull issued by Pope Innocent VIII (Super Dominicum Gregem). Both events were commemorated in the Galway quincentennial year, 1984.The Wardenship of Galway

The granting of collegiate status in 1484 required that the City of Galway and some surrounding parishes be severed from the Archdiocese of Tuam. The priests of the city were constituted into a College of Vicars, the senior of whom was to called the warden. The warden, a position and title unique in Irish ecclesiastical history, was the spiritual leader of the city and was entitled to wear attire traditionally associated with a bishop (such as the mitre and crosier), while not having the power of ordination. The warden and eight assisting vicars choral were elected every year in August by the mayor and members of the Corporation (city council) as then constituted. The warden presented himself for election every year; there was to be an election for the post of vicar only when there was a vacancy. The vicars were elected from the secular clergy, for life. The clergy were to be learned, virtuous and well-bred, and were to observe the English rite and custom in the Divine Service.

At first only the city and the parish of Claregalway constituted the wardenship. However, by the end of the century, the parishes of Oranmore and Maree, Oughterard, Rahoon, Moycullen and Skryne were included. The Archbishop of Tuam retained some vaguely defined visitation rights. The Protestant Reformation saw the creation of two wardenships—the official Anglican Wardenship and an underground Roman Catholic Wardenship. These Wardenships continued until the early 19th century. The Anglican Wardenship was discontinued by the Church of Ireland and replaced by the parish of Galway under the care of a rector, while the Roman Catholic Wardenship was discontinued by the Holy See and the city and a large area of its hinterland was reconstituted as the Diocese of Galway.Historical notes

Over the centuries St. Nicholas's has played a central role in the life of the city. For many years the triennial elections of the mayor and corporation (city council) were held within its walls. Only male members of fourteen select Galway families, known as the Tribes of Galway, had suffrage.

Local legend states that Christopher Columbus worshipped there when he visited the city in 1477.Modern times

In September 2002 the Collegiate Church attracted controversy when it was the scene of the first public same-sex marriage in an Irish church. The Avowing Friendship service for a lesbian couple, it was reported, was conducted by the rector, the Reverend Patrick Towers, in September 2002. The Bishop of Tuam, Richard Henderson, prohibited any further services of this kind, and Towers agreed to abide by this ruling.

The church was used for Catholic Mass by the congregation of St Augustine's Church during the refurbishment of their church between April and December 2005. This generous act cemented good local relations between the Church of Ireland and the Roman Catholic Church. The church is regularly used for worship by the Romanian and Russian Orthodox Churches, and the Malankara Mar Thoma Syrian Church.

The Reverend Patrick Towers was succeeded in July 2009 by Archdeacon Gary Hastings as Rector of St. Nicholas'. Archdeacon Hastings is a well-known Irish traditional flute player, and author of With Fife and Drum, a study of the Orange Lambeg and fifing traditions of Ulster. He has played with the Chieftains, and plays with Fr. Séamus Quinn on the CD Slán le Loch Éirne.

Spanish Arch

The Spanish Arch is one of Galway's most historic landmarks it is located on the East Bank of the River Corrib Estuary, where the river meets the sea. Medieval Galway was almost completely enclosed by massive walls, however, the dock area near the Spanish Arch, was at that time, outside the walls. While the Arch's origins are lost in history, It is believed that it was built in 1584 and was part of the city walls, built to protect merchant ships from looting. A medieval map of 1610 shows a rectangular fort at the location, which was known as Ceann na Bhalla (end of the wall).

The Arch leads to the "long Walk" where in times past, Galway Gentry strolled. It got its name "The Spanish Arch" because of the frequent visits of Spanish ships that came to trade in Galway. The Spanish Arch consists of two arches. One was known as the Blind Arch.

At the front of the Arch is the historic Fish market area, adjoining Spanish Parade. Here the Claddagh women folk came to sell the catches of fish caught by the Claddagh fishing fleet. A wooden sculpture by Claire Sheridan who lived in the adjacent building during the 50s now adorns the Arch.

Beside the Spanish Arch is now the City Museum which houses a cross section of Material relating to live in Galway over the centuries. The Claddagh (an Irish word meaning strand) is located directly across on the west bank of the river, and it was a fishing village where the people spoke Irish and dressed in traditional costume and lived their lives apart from thecity of Galway. They socialised and married people from other Gaeltacht ereas. The old houses were knocked down and rebuilt in 1934 but the same families are living there for generations although now they have lost the old traditional ways and all speak English. Sometimes they married Spanish sailors so there are many families there with raven black hair and beautiful brown eyes!

The Aran Islands are located in the center of the Wild Atlantic Way. It is Accessible from Rossavel (Connemara & Galway). The Aran Islands are also accessible from Doolin which is close to the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare.